Inter Clash with Fluminense: Match Preview, Expert Predictions and Expected Starting XI
Inter Milan are looking to secure their spot in the Club World Cup quarterfinals as they prepare to take on Brazilian side Fluminense this Monday.
The Rio de Janeiro-based club was among four Brazilian Serie A teams that advanced to the knockout phase of the restructured competition, though they ended up second to Borussia Dortmund in Group F, leading to a challenging round of 16 matchup against the UEFA Champions League runners-up.
The Milanese giants are now under the guidance of former player Cristian Chivu following Simone Inzaghi's departure to the lucrative opportunity at Al Hilal, yet there appears to be minimal indication of major tactical changes. Inter have comfortably navigated through this summer's competition, with their standout display coming in the crucial encounter against River Plate.
They secured a 2–0 triumph thanks to a brilliant individual effort from Alessandro Bastoni during injury time.
Fluminense, on the other hand, have maintained their undefeated streak across all competitions for nine matches and delivered an especially noteworthy performance in their tournament opener against Borussia Dortmund. While they managed two draws in the group phase, a commanding 4–2 victory over Ulsan HD secured their advancement.
Here's Sports Illustrated's comprehensive preview of this Club World Cup round of 16 encounter.
What Time Does Inter vs. Fluminense Kick-Off?
Inter vs. Fluminense Head-to-Head Record
This marks the inaugural competitive encounter between Inter and Fluminense.
Current Form (All Competitions)
Inter | Fluminense |
|---|---|
Inter 2–0 River Plate - 6/26/25 | Mamelodi Sundowns 0–0 Fluminense - 6/25/25 |
Inter 2–1 Urawa Red Diamonds - 6/21/25 | Fluminense 4–2 Ulsan HD - 6/21/25 |
Monterrey 1–1 Inter - 6/17/25 | Fluminense 0–0 Borussia Dortmund - 6/17/25 |
PSG 5–0 Inter - 5/31/25 | Internacional 0–2 Fluminense - 6/2/25 |
Como 0–2 Inter - 5/23/25 | Fluminense 2–0 Once Caldas - 5/30/25 |
How to Watch Inter Milan vs. Fluminense on TV
Country | TV Channel / Live Stream |
|---|---|
United Kingdom | DAZN, Channel 5 |
United States | DAZN |
Canada | DAZN |
Mexico | DAZN, ViX, tabii |
Inter Team News
Marcus Thuram has been dealing with a thigh problem but might make his return to the Inter lineup on Monday. Nevertheless, Francesco Esposito's impressive display and goal against River Plate could persuade Chivu to keep the promising Italian forward partnered with Lautaro Martínez in attack.
Yann Bisseck remains sidelined with a hamstring problem, while Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Piotr Zielinski and Benjamin Pavard have all headed back to Milan.
Chivu has rotated his squad throughout the tournament thus far, and Davide Frattesi could earn his first starting role in midfield this summer. Petar Sučić might have earned his way into the new coach's preferred starting eleven following his polished substitute appearance on the final group stage matchday.
Inter Milan Predicted Lineup vs. Fluminense
Inter Milan Predicted Lineup vs. Fluminense (3-5-2): Sommer; Darmian, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Sučić, Frattesi, Dimarco; Esposito, Martínez
Fluminense Team News
Thiago Silva delivered an outstanding performance on the opening matchday against Borussia Dortmund but missed their concluding group match against Mamelodi Sundowns due to injury. Although the 40-year-old veteran is anticipated to be available against Inter, Renato Gaúcho has Ignácio as a capable alternative.
Silva's substitute was awarded Player of the Match honors on the third matchday.
New signing Yeferson Soteldo might be ready to contribute on Monday, though Otavio continues to be unavailable for the Brazilian side. Jhon Arias has enjoyed a superb tournament and will serve as Fluminense's primary attacking weapon.
Fluminense Predicted Lineup vs. Inter
Fluminense Predicted Lineup vs. Inter (4-3-3): Fabio; Xavier, Silva, Freytes, Renê; Hércules, Martinelli; Arias, Nonato, Canobbio; Everaldo
Inter vs. Fluminense Score Prediction
Fluminense are enjoying superb form and should receive a boost from the potential return of several key players on Monday. Despite allowing two goals against Ulsan, they seem to possess a solid defensive structure that will make Inter work extremely hard to earn their quarterfinal berth.
Nevertheless, the quality of Inter's display against River was encouraging following a relatively sluggish tournament beginning. If they can replicate that level of composure paired with clinical finishing, Chivu's squad should advance past the Brazilian opposition.